5.23.2011

Soon after a tornado ripped through North Minneapolis pm Sunday afternoon, an estimated 20 looters ripped off Broadway Liquor Outlet.

The high winds that downed trees and tore off roofs in the area also smashed the glass storefront of the liquor store at 2201 W. Broadway Ave., which was closed.

The looters stole liquor, cigarettes and cash, said owner Dean Rose. The store had plywood boards nailed to its exterior by 7:30 p.m., but broken glass and cases of beer could be seen scattered on the floor inside. Rose said Sunday night he didn't know the extent of the theft.

Minneapolis Police on Sunday night could not confirm reports of looting.

"It's devastating," said Rose, the third generation of his family to run the store. "It puts us out of business."

Comment: Location. Not far from our home (7 miles) and an area we often drive by on our way home from work. I am working from home today but Kathee drove in along our normal path. She saw quite a bit of destruction at Xerxes and Plymouth in Minneapolis